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'It is some years now since I realized how many false opinions I had accepted as true from childhood onwards...I saw that at some stage in my life the whole structure would have to be utterly demolished'

In Descartes's Meditations, one of the key texts of Western philosophy, the thinker rejects all his former beliefs in the quest for new certainties. Discovering his own existence as a thinking entity in the very exercise of doubt, he goes on to prove the existence of God, who guarantees his clear and distinct ideas as a means of access to the truth. He develops new conceptions of body and mind, capable of serving as foundations for the new science of nature. Subsequent philosophy has grappled with Descartes's legacy, questioning many of its conclusions and even his basic approach, but his arguments set the agenda for many of the greatest philosophical thinkers, and their fascination endures.

This new translation includes the Third and Fourth Objections and Replies in full, and a selection from the rest of these exchanges with Descartes's contemporaries that helped to expound his philosophy. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

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Synopsis

'It is some years now since I realized how many false opinions I had accepted as true from childhood onwards...I saw that at some stage in my life the whole structure would have to be utterly demolished' In Descartes's Meditations, one of the key texts of Western philosophy, the thinker rejects all his former beliefs in the quest for new certainties. Discovering his own existence as a thinking entity in the very exercise of doubt, he goes on to prove the existence of God, who guarantees his clear and distinct ideas as a means of access to the truth. He develops new conceptions of body and mind, capable of serving as foundations for the new science of nature. Subsequent philosophy has grappled with Descartes's legacy, questioning many of its conclusions and even his basic approach, but his arguments set the agenda for many of the greatest philosophical thinkers, and their fascination endures. This new translation includes the Third and Fourth Objections and Replies in full, and a selection from the rest of these exchanges with Descartes's contemporaries that helped to expound his philosophy.

About the Author

Michael Moriarty is Centenary Professor of French Literature and Thought, Queen Mary, University of London.

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I might have been a bit naive when i picked up this book, but when reading the introduction my curiosity sparked over the section relating to ''Objections and Replies''. Can't say i've ever read a book, any book, where you get to read feedback via correspondence from the author.

To be honest, after reading the Mediations i didn't agree with much of what Descartes was trying to put forth, particularly where he was trying to exemplify and prove the existence of God. To which much of his analogies didn't hold much strength and often confused or contorted the premise he was trying to clarify.All the same, it's not an easy thing to try to accomplish, no matter how academically skilled or religiously endowed you think you are, it's a very tough subject, and somewhat controversial matter to cover on your own, and especially try to sell it to your readers as the zenith of all evidence.

Between the objectors and his own replies I kinda picture Descartes as a man who fancies himself as the majesty of all knowledge and spirituality, and those that pose proposition or conjecture be destroyed, rejected or bullied into submission. As he makes very many petty squabbles and personal stabs at his ''opponents'' in the replies, I couldn't help but look back on the Meditations as being a bit redundant the more i read through. He's certainly got a big ego, much of which is probably down to his religious conviction, but all the same i couldn't stop thinking to myself that he was one world class prick.

Nevertheless, certainly made a good read. Well written, easy to follow, a very helpful and indepth introduction, as well as the ''Explanatory Notes'' at the end of the book which made the read all the more insightful. Would definitely recommend this book to others with interest in philosophy and/or metaphysics. I myself will definitely read further into Descartes as he's prompted me as a bit of a curiosity.